Nissan Murano Engine Capacity New Zealand: Complete Guide

If we are shopping for a used Nissan Murano in New Zealand, one specification tends to appear again and again: engine capacity. At first glance, the answer seems simple. Most Muranos we see on New Zealand roads carry Nissan's familiar 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. Dig a little deeper, though, and things become more interesting.

New Zealand's used-car market contains both NZ-new vehicles and Japanese imports, which means we can encounter more than one Murano engine. Certain Japanese-market models came with a smaller 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while the 3.5-litre V6 remains the engine most strongly associated with the Murano locally. Internationally, even newer generations have changed the formula again.

So, what exactly is the Nissan Murano engine capacity in New Zealand, and which version makes the most sense to buy? Let's open the bonnet and sort through the details without turning this into an engineering textbook.

What Is the Nissan Murano Engine Capacity in New Zealand?

For most Nissan Muranos sold new in New Zealand, the headline figure is 3.5 litres, or approximately 3,498 cc.

The second-generation Murano reviewed by the New Zealand Automobile Association, for example, used Nissan's 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. The NZ-market version produced around 191 kW and 336 Nm according to the AA's period road test.

Another contemporary New Zealand review describes the Murano's VQ-series engine as a 3.5-litre, 24-valve V6, with output listed at 198 kW and 334 Nm for the specification tested.

The slight differences in quoted power figures shouldn't surprise us. Specifications can differ according to model year, market, emissions calibration and facelift.

In practical terms, though, when someone in New Zealand says "Murano engine," there is a good chance they're talking about the 3.5 V6.

Nissan Murano Engine Sizes at a Glance

Depending on origin and generation, New Zealand buyers may encounter:

• 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder — 2,488 cc
• 3.5-litre petrol V6 — 3,498 cc
• Other engine options existed in selected overseas markets, but they are considerably less representative of the typical New Zealand Murano.

Japanese-market specification databases show both 2,488 cc and 3,498 cc Murano variants, explaining why smaller-engine examples occasionally appear among New Zealand imports.

That distinction matters when buying parts, comparing fuel use, obtaining insurance quotes or simply trying to establish exactly which Murano we have parked in the driveway.

The 3.5-Litre V6: The Engine Most Kiwi Buyers Know

The 3.5-litre Murano isn't simply a large engine bolted into an SUV for the sake of having a large number on the specification sheet.

It belongs to Nissan's well-known VQ family of V6 engines.

The first-generation Murano used the VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6, and the engine remained central to later Murano generations for many years.

How Big Is 3.5 Litres in Cubic Centimetres?

Engine capacity is sometimes advertised in litres and sometimes in cubic centimetres.

The Murano's 3.5-litre engine is approximately:

3,498 cc

Manufacturers naturally round this figure to 3.5 L.

Think of engine displacement as the combined volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders. It doesn't tell us everything about performance, but it gives us a useful indication of the engine's physical capacity.

Does a Bigger Engine Automatically Mean More Power?

Not necessarily.

Modern turbocharged engines can produce impressive outputs from much smaller displacement. Technology, compression, airflow, fuel delivery and turbocharging all influence performance.

But when the Murano was designed, Nissan took a comparatively traditional route: a naturally aspirated V6 with generous displacement.

The result is an engine that tends to deliver power progressively instead of feeling like someone suddenly flicked a turbocharger switch.

First-Generation Nissan Murano Engine Capacity

The original Z50 Murano introduced the recipe that would define the model for years.

Its best-known engine was the 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6.

Internationally, the first-generation model combined this engine with Nissan's continuously variable transmission, or CVT.

For buyers accustomed to ordinary four-cylinder family SUVs of the era, the Murano's V6 was rather like swapping a kitchen tap for a fire hose. There was simply more capacity available when accelerating, overtaking or climbing hills.

Were 2.5-Litre First-Generation Muranos Made?

Yes, but this is where import history becomes important.

Japan also received Murano versions using a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, alongside the 3.5-litre V6.

Consequently, a Murano appearing on the New Zealand used market isn't automatically a 3.5 simply because most familiar examples are.

Checking the VIN, engine code or registration information is smarter than guessing from badges alone.

Second-Generation Nissan Murano Engine Capacity

For many New Zealand buyers, the second-generation Z51 is probably the Murano generation they are most likely to encounter.

Its petrol flagship continued with the 3.5-litre V6.

New Zealand's AA described the 2009 Murano as using a revised 3.5-litre VQ petrol V6 producing 191 kW and 336 Nm.

A separate New Zealand road test listed a 3.5-litre VQ 24-valve V6 producing 198 kW and 334 Nm in the version reviewed.

Regardless of those specification variations, the important takeaway is straightforward: 3,498 cc remained the defining Murano capacity in New Zealand.

The Japanese-Import 2.5-Litre Z51

Now we reach the version that often causes confusion.

Japanese specifications included Z51-series Murano variants such as the 250XL and 250XV with a 2,488 cc engine, including both front-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.

So if we find a Murano advertised in New Zealand as a "250XL," we shouldn't assume the seller has accidentally typed the wrong engine size.

That 2.5-litre Murano genuinely existed.

2.5 Murano vs 3.5 Murano

The philosophical difference between them is pretty simple.

The 2.5 prioritises smaller displacement and potentially lower running demands.

The 3.5 delivers the kind of effortless performance buyers often associate with the Murano.

If we regularly carry passengers, drive steep roads or make open-road overtakes, the extra capacity of the V6 can be attractive.

If we're mostly commuting around town, outright engine performance may matter less.

What Engine Does an NZ-New Nissan Murano Have?

An NZ-new Murano will commonly be associated with the 3.5-litre petrol V6, particularly when discussing the generations officially marketed here.

Used imports complicate the picture.

New Zealand has long had a substantial Japanese used-import market, so seeing two outwardly similar Muranos with different engines isn't unusual.

One might be an NZ-new 3.5 V6.

Another might be a Japanese-market 2.5.

This is why we should never rely only on the body shape when researching a second-hand Murano.

How Can We Check a Murano's Actual Engine Capacity?

Fortunately, we don't need to dismantle the engine to solve the mystery.

A buyer can normally establish engine capacity through several sources:

1. Check the vehicle's registration information.
2. Inspect the engine or chassis identification details.
3. Look for the model code on the vehicle identification plate.
4. Check servicing documentation.
5. Ask the seller whether the vehicle is NZ-new or a Japanese import.
6. Have a mechanic confirm the engine specification during a pre-purchase inspection.

If an advertisement says 2.5 litres while another specification website says every Murano has a 3.5 V6, believe the individual vehicle documentation rather than a generic model summary.

What Is the Murano VQ35DE Engine?

The name sounds like something printed on the side of a spaceship, but Nissan's engine code is easier to understand than it appears.

The Murano's traditional 3.5-litre engine belongs to Nissan's VQ engine family, and VQ35DE versions powered early Murano generations.

The basic ingredients include a V6 layout and 24-valve configuration.

For us as buyers, the engine code matters because it can make finding correct replacement parts, service information and mechanical advice much easier.

Why a V6 Suits the Murano

The Murano was designed more as a comfortable road-going crossover than an agricultural off-roader.

A naturally aspirated V6 suits that personality.

It provides smooth power delivery and doesn't need to be thrashed every time the vehicle encounters a motorway on-ramp.

Imagine a large dog getting up from the sofa: there may not be frantic movement, but once it decides to go somewhere, it moves with purpose.

That's roughly the appeal.

Is the 3.5-Litre Murano Fast?

We wouldn't call the Murano a sports car, and Nissan never intended it to be one.

Yet the 3.5 V6 gives it respectable performance for a comfortable five-seat crossover.

Period New Zealand specifications show output comfortably above 190 kW in second-generation versions.

The more important characteristic during ordinary driving is flexibility.

There is enough engine beneath our right foot that the vehicle doesn't feel desperately underpowered when merging or climbing.

Engine Capacity vs Vehicle Weight

A large crossover needs enough torque to move its mass without constantly working at the edge of its ability.

That is one reason Nissan's 3.5-litre engine feels natural in the Murano.

Could Nissan have fitted a smaller naturally aspirated engine?

Certainly.

Would it have delivered the same relaxed character?

Probably not.

Does the 3.5-Litre Engine Use a Lot of Fuel?

This is the obvious trade-off.

A naturally aspirated 3.5-litre petrol V6 isn't likely to sip fuel like a tiny hybrid.

The AA's 2009 Murano review quoted fuel consumption of 10.9 L/100 km for the vehicle tested.

Actual consumption can vary substantially according to traffic, driving style, tyres, vehicle condition, trip length and terrain.

Around stop-start Auckland traffic, for example, we shouldn't expect the same efficiency that we might achieve cruising steadily along an open highway.

Does the 2.5-Litre Murano Save Fuel?

Potentially, but engine displacement isn't the only variable.

A smaller engine doesn't automatically guarantee dramatically lower real-world consumption. Vehicle weight, gearing, drivetrain and how hard the engine has to work all matter.

If we constantly push the accelerator deeply because the smaller engine is working harder, some theoretical fuel advantage can disappear.

That doesn't make the 2.5 a bad choice. It simply means we shouldn't buy one based solely on the assumption that "smaller equals cheap to run."

Is 2.5 or 3.5 Litres Better for New Zealand Roads?

There isn't one correct answer.

For long-distance travel, hilly terrain and regular open-road driving, we'd lean towards the effortless nature of the 3.5 V6.

New Zealand isn't exactly flat. Between steep suburban streets, winding state highways and mountain routes, extra torque is rarely something we complain about.

For predominantly urban use, the 2.5-litre Japanese import could still make sense if we find a well-maintained example at the right price.

Condition beats specification surprisingly often.

A beautifully maintained 2.5 is usually a better proposition than a neglected 3.5 with an uncertain service history.

Does Engine Size Affect Murano Registration Costs in NZ?

Engine capacity is only one characteristic of a vehicle and shouldn't be treated as a direct predictor of every ownership cost.

What tends to matter more to us as used-Murano buyers is the indirect effect.

A larger engine can influence:

• Fuel consumption
• Servicing requirements
• Parts pricing
• Insurance quotations
• Resale demand
• Overall running costs

The vehicle's age and condition can outweigh most of these factors.

Buying the cheapest Murano available and assuming we'll "fix things later" can turn into the automotive equivalent of buying a leaking boat because the paddles were free.

What About the Third-Generation Nissan Murano?

Here's where New Zealand buyers need to pay particular attention.

The third-generation Z52 Murano arrived internationally for the 2015 model year and retained a 3.5-litre V6, producing around 260 hp in its original specification.

However, the Z52 wasn't officially marketed in New Zealand because that generation wasn't produced in right-hand drive.

That means we shouldn't automatically transfer North American Z52 buying guides onto the typical New Zealand Murano market.

Why Did the New Zealand Murano Line-Up Stop?

Nissan New Zealand's current vehicle range no longer lists the Murano among its new models. The company's 2026 line-up instead includes SUVs such as the Juke, Qashqai, X-Trail, Pathfinder and Patrol.

So when we're discussing a Murano purchase in New Zealand today, we're generally discussing the used market, not a current NZ-new showroom model.

That context makes generation and import status even more important.

What Engine Does the Newest Murano Use Overseas?

Interestingly, Nissan has finally moved away from the long-running V6 formula in newer overseas Muranos.

The latest-generation model introduced internationally uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine rather than the previous 3.5-litre V6, paired with a conventional nine-speed automatic transmission.

That doesn't mean a typical Murano we see for sale in New Zealand suddenly has a 2.0-litre turbo.

Quite the opposite.

For NZ used-car shoppers, the 2.5- and particularly 3.5-litre older versions remain far more relevant.

Does a Bigger Murano Engine Mean Better Reliability?

Engine capacity by itself isn't a reliability rating.

A 3.5-litre engine could be beautifully maintained.

Another could have gone years between oil changes.

The odometer tells only part of the story too.

A vehicle with 160,000 km and complete servicing can be a more reassuring purchase than one showing 100,000 km with mysterious gaps in its history.

What Should We Inspect Before Buying?

Engine capacity might get us onto the advertisement, but mechanical condition should decide whether we hand over the money.

Pay particular attention to:

• Cold-start behaviour
• Oil level and condition
• Signs of leaks
• Cooling-system condition
• Unusual engine noises
• Warning lights
• Service records
• CVT behaviour
• Suspension noises
• Evidence of accident repairs

The Murano's transmission deserves special consideration because engine performance and CVT behaviour are closely intertwined during a test drive.

Don't Evaluate the Engine in Isolation

A strong engine attached to a tired transmission doesn't make a great vehicle.

Likewise, a mechanically healthy Murano with a properly functioning drivetrain can remain a pleasant car even when the odometer has accumulated significant kilometres.

A pre-purchase inspection is therefore far more useful than obsessing over whether 2,488 cc or 3,498 cc looks better on paper.

Is the 3.5-Litre Nissan Murano Expensive to Maintain?

It depends on what we compare it with.

Compared with a tiny four-cylinder hatchback, we should expect the Murano to consume more fuel and potentially have higher servicing costs.

Compared with other large, older V6 crossovers, its basic configuration isn't particularly exotic.

The bigger concern is age.

Older Muranos are now inexpensive enough that major repair bills can represent a meaningful percentage of the vehicle's market value.

Imagine buying a $7,000 used SUV and receiving a $3,000 repair quote. The repair may be technically reasonable, but emotionally it feels like the mechanic has just asked for one of our kidneys.

That's why maintenance history matters so much.

Which Murano Engine Capacity Should We Buy?

For the average New Zealand buyer wanting the classic Murano experience, we'd generally view the 3.5-litre V6 as the natural choice.

It's the engine around which the Murano built much of its reputation, and it is especially relevant to NZ-new examples.

However, we wouldn't dismiss a 2.5-litre Japanese import automatically.

Our decision should come down to four questions:

How will we use the car?
Frequent highway use and hilly driving favour the V6.

How much do we care about fuel consumption?
Anyone particularly sensitive to petrol costs should calculate realistic annual running costs rather than focusing purely on purchase price.

What is the vehicle's condition?
This matters more than badge prestige.

Can we verify its service history?
Paperwork is boring until something breaks. Then it suddenly becomes the most interesting reading material in the house.

Nissan Murano 2.5 vs 3.5: Simple Buyer Comparison

The easiest way to think about these engines is this:

Choose the 2.5-litre Murano if we find a well-maintained Japanese import, mostly drive in town and aren't chasing maximum performance.

Choose the 3.5-litre Murano if we want stronger acceleration, frequently travel on the open road, carry passengers regularly or simply prefer the traditional Murano V6 experience.

Neither capacity automatically determines whether a particular used vehicle is worth buying.

Maintenance does.

Why Engine Capacity Matters When Ordering Parts

This sounds obvious, yet it causes expensive mistakes.

Parts websites sometimes ask us only for the model and year.

That isn't always enough with an imported Murano.

A Japanese-market 2.5 and an NZ-new 3.5 from a similar period can naturally require different engine-related components.

Whenever we're ordering:

• Filters
• Spark plugs
• Engine sensors
• Belts
• Gaskets
• Cooling-system components
• Ignition components

we should verify the engine code or exact vehicle identification rather than clicking the first item marked "fits Nissan Murano."

Is a Nissan Murano 3.5 Worth Buying in New Zealand Today?

For the right buyer, yes.

The Murano offers a combination that has become less common: a large naturally aspirated petrol V6, comfortable five-seat interior and crossover practicality.

The current used-car market still includes Muranos in New Zealand, with 3.5-litre V6 versions remaining prominent among listings.

However, we'd approach one as an older premium-ish crossover rather than a cheap runabout.

Purchase price is only the admission ticket.

Fuel, tyres, servicing and age-related repairs continue after we drive away.

Final Thoughts on Nissan Murano Engine Capacity in New Zealand

When we strip away all the model codes and specification sheets, the Nissan Murano engine capacity in New Zealand is primarily associated with the 3.5-litre, 3,498 cc petrol V6.

That's the engine most closely linked with NZ-new Murano models and the one many Kiwi drivers will recognise. New Zealand reviews of the second-generation model confirm the presence of Nissan's 3.5-litre VQ V6.

But there is an important footnote.

Because New Zealand receives used Japanese imports, 2.5-litre, 2,488 cc Muranos can also appear locally. Japanese specification data confirms that variants such as the 250XL and 250XV were offered with this smaller engine.

So we shouldn't ask only, "What size engine does a Nissan Murano have?"

We should ask, "What engine does this particular Murano have?"

That tiny change in wording can save a surprising amount of confusion.

If we want the traditional Murano personality—smooth, relaxed and pleasantly muscular—the 3.5 V6 remains the obvious attraction. If we encounter a clean 2.5 import with excellent history, however, there's no reason to dismiss it simply because its engine has one litre less capacity.

With used cars, condition is king. Engine size is merely one member of the royal court.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What engine capacity does a Nissan Murano have in New Zealand?

Most NZ-new Nissan Muranos are associated with a 3.5-litre petrol V6, with an approximate displacement of 3,498 cc. Japanese-import Muranos can also appear with a 2.5-litre, 2,488 cc four-cylinder engine.

2. Is the Nissan Murano a 2.5 or 3.5?

It can be either, depending on its original market and specification. The 3.5 V6 is the engine most familiar in NZ-new Muranos, while Japan offered several 2.5-litre versions that can subsequently reach New Zealand as used imports.

3. What is the Nissan Murano 3.5 engine size in cc?

The commonly used 3.5-litre Murano V6 has a displacement of approximately 3,498 cc. The smaller Japanese-market 2.5 engine displaces approximately 2,488 cc.

4. Does Nissan still sell the Murano new in New Zealand?

The Murano is not part of Nissan New Zealand's current 2026 new-vehicle line-up. Nissan NZ presently lists other SUVs including the Juke, Qashqai, X-Trail, Pathfinder and Patrol.

5. Which Nissan Murano engine is best for New Zealand?

For buyers wanting stronger open-road performance and the traditional Murano driving character, the 3.5-litre V6 is usually the more appealing option. A 2.5-litre import can still make sense for urban use, particularly when it has excellent maintenance history. With an older Murano, we'd prioritise overall condition and drivetrain health over engine capacity alone.

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